Ezra Taft Benson

Here is a detailed biography of Ezra Taft Benson that covers his life, leadership, and some of his more memorable statements.

Ezra Taft Benson – Life, Leadership, and Notable Quotes

Explore the life of Ezra Taft Benson — farmer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — along with his influence, philosophy, and famous quotes.

Introduction

Ezra Taft Benson (August 4, 1899 – May 30, 1994) was an American agriculturalist, public servant, and a prominent religious leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He rose from humble roots on a farm in Idaho to serve as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, and later became the thirteenth President of the LDS Church. His life combined politics, faith, doctrine, and strong convictions about freedom, family, and moral responsibility.

Early Life and Family

Benson was born on August 4, 1899, in Whitney, Idaho, as the eldest of eleven children in the family of George Taft Benson and Sarah Elizabeth “Lizzie” Benson.

Raised on a farm, he learned the value of hard work, self-reliance, and close engagement with the land from an early age.

When his father was called as a missionary when Ezra was young, Ezra took on many responsibilities at home, helping care for siblings and maintain the farm.

Education & Early Career

Benson’s formal schooling included attendance at the Oneida Stake Academy in Preston, Idaho, from which he graduated in 1918.

He then attended Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University), alternating periods of study with farm work.

He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Iowa State University in 1927.

He did further graduate work at the University of California, Berkeley, though he did not complete a doctorate.

In his early professional life, Benson ran the family farm, served as county agricultural extension agent, and contributed to agricultural cooperatives and extension services in Idaho.

Missionary and Church Service

From 1921 to 1923, Benson served a mission for the LDS Church in Great Britain.

During his mission, he faced local opposition and dangers, which sharpened his resolve and commitment.

After returning, he married Flora Smith Amussen in 1926. They would have six children together.

Over time, he took on increasing roles in church leadership—serving as a stake president, and later being called in 1943 to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

In 1973, Benson became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Public Service: Secretary of Agriculture

In 1953, under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Benson was appointed U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, a post he held for both of Eisenhower’s terms (1953–1961).

During his tenure, Benson advocated for free-market principles, opposed federal controls he regarded as excessive, and emphasized self-reliance among farmers.

He also wrote about his experiences in his book Cross Fire: The Eight Years with Eisenhower.

Presidency of the LDS Church

In 1985, Benson succeeded Spencer W. Kimball as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming the church’s thirteenth president.

As president, he placed renewed emphasis on the Book of Mormon, urging widespread distribution and reading among church members.

He also addressed themes of pride, spiritual humility, family, and the dangers he perceived in socialism and collectivism.

His later years as president were marked by declining health, including a stroke in the late 1980s that limited his ability to speak publicly.

He died on May 30, 1994, in Salt Lake City, Utah, of congestive heart failure at the age of 94.

Historical Context & Impact

• Benson’s tenure in the Eisenhower administration aligned with the post-World War II era in which agricultural policy, Cold War ideology, and American conservatism were in dynamic tension.

• His religious leadership occurred during the latter 20th century when the LDS Church was expanding internationally and navigating modern cultural and political challenges.

• He was a polarizing figure: lauded by many for his conviction and doctrinal clarity, but criticized by others for mixing religious and political rhetoric and for strong anti-socialist stances.

• His influence extended beyond the church—his writings and speeches engage themes of constitutional government, morality in public life, and the responsibility of citizens.

Personality and Beliefs

Benson was known for being principled, forthright, and uncompromising on his convictions. His early experience as a farmer and extension agent shaped his belief in self-reliance, work ethic, and personal responsibility.

He held a deep commitment to his faith and saw divine purpose in his positions. His speeches often tied spiritual duty to the exercise of civic and moral agency.

He viewed pride and complacency as serious spiritual dangers, and frequently emphasized humility, repentance, and the need for continuous personal spiritual improvement.

He also had a strong anti-communist perspective, believing that collectivist systems undermined individual freedom, and he saw the defense of liberty as a spiritual obligation.

Famous Quotes

Here are several well-known quotes attributed to Ezra Taft Benson, reflecting his religious, moral, and civic themes:

• “The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in.”

• “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.”

• “We must ever keep in mind that collectivized socialism is part of the communist strategy.”

• “Pride limits or stops progression.”

• “In a home where there is an able-bodied husband, he is expected to be the breadwinner.”

• “Thinking leads to action, action leads to habits, habits lead to character — and our character will determine our eternal destiny.”

• “Freedom must be continually guarded as something more priceless than life itself.”

Lessons & Reflections

1. Integration of faith and public life: Benson believed that religious principles could and should inform civic engagement and policy.

2. Self-reliance as virtue: His life underscores a conviction that individuals and families should cultivate strength, preparedness, and independence.

3. Stewardship and responsibility: Whether in farming, church, or government, he emphasized stewardship over resources and moral accountability.

4. Vigilance over freedom: He saw freedom not as guaranteed but as needing constant vigilance and defense.

5. Humility over pride: Many of his teachings warn of the spiritual pitfalls of pride and the importance of humility and repentance.

Conclusion

Ezra Taft Benson’s life spanned multiple spheres: agriculture, government, church leadership, and doctrinal teaching. From running a farm in Idaho to shaping national agricultural policy, and later presiding over a global church, his trajectory is remarkable in its range and consistency of principle.

His legacy remains significant especially within the LDS community, where his teachings, writings, and emphasis on the Book of Mormon continue to influence members worldwide. His voice in American conservatism, particularly in relation to freedom and government, also continues to be referenced.